India Holidays

India Holidays

India is home to over 1.2 billion people and it is currently the second-most populous country in the world behind China. From the mountainous regions in the north to the tropical locations found bordering the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, this country is as diverse as it is truly massive (the seventh-largest nation in the world). With a culture that stretches back well into the thousands of years and thanks to a growing economy and a burgeoning tourist sector, millions of travellers will plan on visiting here each year. As this country is so large, there are numerous airports and destinations to choose from. Let us take a look at some of the major routes as well as a handful of attractions to be found here.

Major Cities and Associated Airports

The four major cities (by population and popularity) are Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai. Of course, each is served by its own international airport. Let us break these down to provide a clearer view:

Mumbai: Mumbai Airport Chhatrapati Shivaji (BOM)

Kolkata: Netaji Subhas Bose International Airport (CCU)

Delhi: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

Chennai: Chennai International Airport (MAA)

As can be imagined, there are literally hundreds of airlines which serve this country. Some of the major carriers which provide service from the west to India include:

Air France

Air India

British Airways

Lufthansa

United Airlines

Please note that there are numerous other cheap flights which offer domestic routes from one portion of the country to another. Although these can accommodate last-minute needs, it is best to make reservations in advance when travelling here from abroad.

India Attractions and Destinations

There are literally thousands of different attractions to be witnessed when visiting here. However, there are some internationally renowned spots that should not be missed during any holiday. Perhaps the most famous is the Taj Mahal. This domed mausoleum is considered to be one of the seven wonders of the world. Other sihgts include the temple of Akshardham, the Qutb Minar tower, the Lotus Temple, the Lodi Gardens and the City Palace of Udaipur.

Those who are visiting the southern portions of India should be sure to take advantage of the beaches and the hotels to be found here. A handful of the top beaches are:

Goa

Calangute

Anjuna

Baga

Alibag

Colva

Most of the luxury hotels are found quite close to the water while bargain properties are normally found only a short distance away. Always plan your itinerary ahead of time to make sure that you are not far from the attractions that you hope to see.

Those who plan on enjoy city breaks to India for shopping reasons will nt be disappointed with what is in store. Major urban centres such as Mumbai and Kolkata offer literally hundreds of luxury items to choose from. However, it is often worth spending some time to visit the numerous open-air markets. Hand-made goods and souvenirs abound and thanks to a healthy currency exchange rate, those using the pound or the euro can stretch their funds a long way.

When to Visit

The best times to visit India are between late October and late March. This will help you to avoid the monsoon season which can be quite intense. Also, keep in mind that package holiday deals are likely to be more numerous during this time of the year. Hotels may very well be booked in advance, so always check to determine whether or not this is the case.